Ukrainian Unity Day

Unity Day in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Unity Day is an important historical observance celebrated on January 22 every year to mark the anniversary of the unification of eastern and western Ukraine in 1919. The two halves of Ukraine at the time were Ukraine's People Republic and West Ukrainian People Republic and were united by the signing of the Treaty of Unity signed on this day. 

«The territory of Ukraine, divided over the centuries, including Galicia, Bukovyna, Carpathian Ruthenia, and Dnieper Ukraine will now become a great-united Ukraine. Dreams, for which the best sons of Ukraine fought and died for, have come true», – was written in the text of the universal made by the Directorate of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. (source)

How Ukrainian Unity Day is Celebrated in Ukraine

Unity Days in Ukraine are all about Uniting the people of Ukraine. (Also see: National Unity Day) National flags are a big part of the celebration with the unfolding of a giant flag in many of Ukraine's cities. This flag tradition is often also a common way for the people to unite in carrying a large flag of the nation in celebration or in protests. 

A growing tradition is to form a human chain across the city and bridges, sometimes holding onto parts of an extended flag, to showcase the connection and unity among the the Ukrainian people.

Concerts, parades, celebrations and protests all may occur across the country.